Engagement Ring

The Romans introduced the engagement ring and after they converted to Christianity, a ninth-century Pope deemed that engagement rings must be worn. It is worn on the third finger on her left hand because the Greeks considered that this finger was connected to the heart.

Something old, Something new

Something old, Something new, Something borrowed, Something blue, and a silver sixpence in your shoe.

‘Something Old’ was usually an old garter but other ideas for this tradition include jewellery and accessories from past family weddings.

The custom of wearing ‘something blue’ dates back form ancient Israel where a bridge wore a blue ribbon as a symbol of her fidelity.

The placing of a coin in your shoe is said to bring wealth.

Throwing the Bouquet

It is traditional for the bride to throw her bouquet backwards and over her shoulder towards unmarried female guests when she leaves for honeymoon. The one who catches it is meant to be the next to be married.

Throwing of Confetti

The word ‘confetti’ is Italian for confectionary or sweets, which is what was formerly used and symbolised wishes for lots of sweet experiences. In Britain, real flower petals or rice were often used until the introduction of confetti. Rice and grain were used because of their symbolism with fertility. Sometimes the grain was in the form of small cakes which are the origin of our own wedding cakes. Fruit and nuts are also used in some cultures, again symbolising the wish for fruitfulness and richness.

Horseshoes

Horseshoes must be stored upright ‘to keep in the luck’. Shoes at one time were thrown at the newly married couple for luck! (Hope the guests were a poor aim!)

Cutting the cake

It is traditional for the bride and groom to make the first cut in the cake together. The groom places his right hand over the right hand of his bride, her left hand is then placed on top, and she places the knife point at the centre of the bottom cake tier and slowly cuts the cake helped by the groom. Bridesmaids keep their slices and place them under their pillow that night in the belief that they will then dream of their own future husbands.

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